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Facts About Restless Legs Syndrome

Description

Publication Year: 2008
Language: English
Website: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/understanding_sleep.htm

This Fact Sheet describes RLS. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder in which a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs described as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, or painful. These sensations usually occur in the calf area but may be felt anywhere from the thigh to the ankle. One or both legs may be affected; for some people, the sensations are also felt in the arms. These sensations occur when the person with RLS lies down or sits for prolonged periods of time, such as at a desk, riding in a car, or watching a movie. People with RLS describe an irresistible urge to move the legs when the sensations occur. Usually, moving the legs, walking, rubbing or massaging the legs, or doing knee bends can bring relief, at least briefly.

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Source

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center, NHLBI, NIH, HHS
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda MD 20824-0105

Phone: (240) 629-3255 TTY
Toll-free Phone: (800) 575-9355 (Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Information)

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